Swastima’s ‘Lalibazar’ at Number 3 on Movie Charts

KATHMANDU. The trailer for the Nepali film ‘Lalibazar,’ released last Friday, April 17, has been well-received by the audience. Social media users and celebrities alike are praising the trailer and its subject matter. Produced by Shatkon Arts, the trailer for ‘Lalibazar’ managed to enter the YouTube trending charts shortly after its release.

Currently, the trailer sits at number 3 on the movie charts. Audiences have appreciated the story of a mother and daughter depicted in the trailer. Those watching on YouTube have praised both the theme and the actors' performances. Actress Swastima Khadka’s portrayal of a woman from the Badi community is receiving widespread acclaim.

Along with Swastima, positive feedback has been directed toward Rabindra Singh Baniya, child artist Samaira Thapa, and debutants Prashansa Subedi and Bishal Devkota. The film is based on a mother-daughter story and highlights the harmful tradition of 'Nathiya' prevalent in the Badi community.

The trailer of ‘Lalibazar’ showcases a mother’s struggle to protect her daughter, Rakshya. Swastima plays the role of the mother. Shatkon Arts, which includes producer Max Dipesh Khatri, actor Rabindra Singh Baniya, and director Pradip Bhattarai, has previously produced successful films like ‘Jatra,’ ‘Jatrai Jatra,’ ‘Mahapurush,’ and ‘Mahajatra.’ However, for the upcoming film ‘Lalibazar,’ Pradip Bhattarai has handed the directorial responsibility to Yam Thapa.

Director Thapa has previously directed subject-oriented films like ‘Rajja Rani,’ ‘Hurray,’ and ‘Meri Maamu,’ and has worked on the scripts for films such as ‘Kohinoor,’ ‘Anjila,’ and ‘Paran.’ The collaboration with Shatkon Arts began during discussions regarding the story.

Once the screenplay was nearly finalized, director Bhattarai proposed the name ‘Lalibazar’ during a location visit, which everyone agreed upon. Director Thapa stated that the film is centered on the story of a mother and daughter.

The film’s first released song, ‘Mayalai Ke Diu Ma Baina,’ and the second song, ‘Mitho Sansar,’ have been enjoyed by the audience. Both songs have become popular on YouTube as well as TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. The release date for ‘Lalibazar’ is set for May 1, 2026 (Baisakh 18, 2083 BS).

Filmed in Rajapur, Bardiya, the movie stars Swastima Khadka, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Samaira Thapa, Mukunda Kumar Shrestha, Abhay Baral, Prem Pandey, Pradip Dhakal, Asha Paudel, Govinda Sunar, Abha Aryal, Tara Sharma, Ramesh Wadi, Saraswati Adhikari, Janaki Kathayat, Nischal Panthi, Birwal Chaudhary, and others.

Bishal Devkota and Prashansa Subedi are making their debuts through this film. Bishal is an actor and director active in theater, while Prashansa is popular as a Gen Z actress. Written and directed by Yam Thapa, the screenplay and dialogues for ‘Lalibazar’ were jointly prepared by Thapa and Pradip Bhattarai. The trailer was released via the Shatkon Arts YouTube channel.

Pradip Bhattarai serves as the executive producer, while Max Dipesh Khatri and Rabindra Singh Baniya are the producers.

The film features JB Ruwali as creative director, Samrat Basnet as conflict director, Sushan Prajapati as director of photography, Mitradev Gurung as editor, Rupak Pratap Adhikari as production head, Renish Phago as colorist, Samir Shrestha and Satyam Rana for VFX, Rohit Shakya and Shailesh Shrestha for background music and mixing, Umesh Chaudhary as art director, Royal Bhimsen (Trident) as publicity designer, Janaki Kadayat as costume designer and stylist, Kavya Thapa for makeup, and music by Prakash Saput, Khem Century, and Jayan J Wyba.